Available as the MX or MXC (motocross or cross-country off-roader), the KTM 495 was an absurdly fast Open class dirt bike – Rod Bush apparently took a re-geared example up to 123.75 miles per hour on El Mirage Dry Lake with an ’81.
photo from http://www.ktm495.mxbikes.com/
Unfortunately, some changes were made for 1984 that weren’t universally loved. Good news – the bike lost 15 pounds from the year before. Bad news – KTM made some engine changes (including a lower compression single spark head) which cut down peak power but increased torque. Some riders try to swap a ’83 head onto their ’84 bikes, but that’s a matter of personal preference. For more on the MXC version, check out this April 1984 review from Dirt Rider, hosted on a KTM 495 fan site.
This example has a ‘fresh cosmetic and mechanical restoration’ after 2 owners. It’s got WP suspension, a custom hand built exhaust from Austria, and lots of new parts. Find this KTM for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina with a BIN of $3,950